US4614010A - Safety belt buckle - Google Patents

Safety belt buckle Download PDF

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Publication number
US4614010A
US4614010A US06/740,725 US74072585A US4614010A US 4614010 A US4614010 A US 4614010A US 74072585 A US74072585 A US 74072585A US 4614010 A US4614010 A US 4614010A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
base
slide
latch bar
buckle
actuator
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US06/740,725
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English (en)
Inventor
Keith D. Charlton
Anthony S. Bracnik
Kenneth M. Forget
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ZF Passive Safety Systems US Inc
Original Assignee
TRW Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by TRW Inc filed Critical TRW Inc
Priority to US06/740,725 priority Critical patent/US4614010A/en
Assigned to TRW, INC. reassignment TRW, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: CHARLTON, KEITH D., FORGET, KENNETH M.
Priority to EP86107246A priority patent/EP0205037B1/de
Priority to DE8686107246T priority patent/DE3672700D1/de
Priority to AU58249/86A priority patent/AU563441B2/en
Priority to BR8602539A priority patent/BR8602539A/pt
Priority to CA000510596A priority patent/CA1284872C/en
Priority to JP61129063A priority patent/JPS625303A/ja
Publication of US4614010A publication Critical patent/US4614010A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Assigned to TRW AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS INC. reassignment TRW AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: TRW INC., A OH. CORP.
Assigned to TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS INC. reassignment TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: TRW AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS INC., A OH CORP.
Assigned to JPMORGAN CHASE BANK reassignment JPMORGAN CHASE BANK THE US GUARANTEE AND COLLATERAL AGREEMENT Assignors: TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC.
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
    • A44B11/00—Buckles; Similar fasteners for interconnecting straps or the like, e.g. for safety belts
    • A44B11/25—Buckles; Similar fasteners for interconnecting straps or the like, e.g. for safety belts with two or more separable parts
    • A44B11/2503—Safety buckles
    • A44B11/2507—Safety buckles actuated by a push-button
    • A44B11/2523—Safety buckles actuated by a push-button acting parallel to the main plane of the buckle and in the same direction as the fastening action
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
    • A44B11/00—Buckles; Similar fasteners for interconnecting straps or the like, e.g. for safety belts
    • A44B11/25—Buckles; Similar fasteners for interconnecting straps or the like, e.g. for safety belts with two or more separable parts
    • A44B11/2503—Safety buckles
    • A44B11/2507—Safety buckles actuated by a push-button
    • A44B11/2511—Safety buckles actuated by a push-button acting perpendicularly to the main plane of the buckle, e.g. placed on the front face of the buckle
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/45—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock]
    • Y10T24/45225—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock] including member having distinct formations and mating member selectively interlocking therewith
    • Y10T24/45602—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity
    • Y10T24/45623—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity and operator therefor
    • Y10T24/45628—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity and operator therefor for plural, oppositely shifting, similar interlocking components or segments
    • Y10T24/45634—Operator includes camming or wedging element
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/45—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock]
    • Y10T24/45225—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock] including member having distinct formations and mating member selectively interlocking therewith
    • Y10T24/45602—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity
    • Y10T24/45623—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity and operator therefor
    • Y10T24/45639—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity and operator therefor including pivotally connected element on receiving member
    • Y10T24/45654—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity and operator therefor including pivotally connected element on receiving member for shifting slidably connected and guided, nonself-biasing interlocking component
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/45—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock]
    • Y10T24/45225—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock] including member having distinct formations and mating member selectively interlocking therewith
    • Y10T24/45602—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity
    • Y10T24/45623—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity and operator therefor
    • Y10T24/4566—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity and operator therefor including slidably connected and guided element on receiving member
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/45—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock]
    • Y10T24/45225—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock] including member having distinct formations and mating member selectively interlocking therewith
    • Y10T24/45602—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity
    • Y10T24/45623—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity and operator therefor
    • Y10T24/4566—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity and operator therefor including slidably connected and guided element on receiving member
    • Y10T24/4567—Receiving member includes either movable connection between interlocking components or variable configuration cavity and operator therefor including slidably connected and guided element on receiving member for shifting slidably connected and guided, nonself-biasing, interlocking component

Definitions

  • the present invention related to a buckle or a safety belt and more specifically to an apparatus which can be used in either a top or an end release buckle.
  • Top release buckles may be preferred for use with safety belts for the rear seat of a vehicle. End release buckles may be preferred for use with safety belts for the front seat of a vehicle. These two different types of buckles have previously used different subassemblies to engage the tongue of a safety belt.
  • a top release buckle has a subassembly which is actuated to release the tongue of a safety belt by manually depressing a pad on the top of the buckle.
  • An end release buckle has a subassembly which is actuated to release the tongue of a safety belt by manually moving a slide at one end of the buckle.
  • top and end release buckles complicate the manufacture and assembly of the buckles.
  • an inventory of one set of parts must be maintained for the subassembly of a top release buckle and an inventory of another set of parts must be maintained for the subassembly of an end release buckle. Due to the different constructions of the subassemblies, the mode of assembly of the top and end release buckles is different.
  • the present invention provides a subassembly which can be used in either a top release buckle or an end release buckle.
  • the subassembly includes an elongated base and a spring biased pivotal latch bar.
  • a slide engages outwardly projecting end portions of the latch bar and is movable along the base to move the latch bar between engaged and disengaged conditions.
  • a surface on the slide blocks movement of the latch bar to the release condition. This prevents releasing of the safety belt tongue unless the slide is moved.
  • the slide is moved along the base to move the latch bar to the disengaged condition to thereby release the safety belt tongue.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved apparatus as set forth above and wherein the appartus includes a latch bar which is disposed on a base and is movable between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition by a slide which can be moved relative to the base by manual depression of either the actuator pad of a top release buckle or the actuator slide of an end release buckle.
  • Another of this invention is to provide a new and improved buckle for receiving a tongue connected with a safety belt and wherein the buckle includes a latch bar which is movable between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition upon movement of a slide along a base and wherein the slide has a surface to block movement of the latch bar from the engaged condition to the disengaged condition until the slide is actuated to release the tongue of a safety belt.
  • FIG. 1 is a pictorial illustration of a top release buckle and a safety belt tongue prior to insertion of the tongue into the buckle;
  • FIG. 2 is a pictorial illustration, generally similar to FIG. 1, of an end release buckle and a safety belt tongue prior to insertion of the tongue into the buckle;
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded, pictorial illustration of a subassembly which can be used in either the top release buckle of FIG. 1 or the end release buckle of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a partially exploded illustration depicting the manner in which the subassembly of FIG. 3 is mounted in a tubular housing and then enclosed in a cover of a top release buckle;
  • FIG. 5 is a partially exploded illustration depicting the manner in which the subassembly of FIG. 3 is mounted in a tubular housing and then enclosed in a cover of an end release buckle;
  • FIG. 6 is a top plan view, on a reduced scale, of the subassembly of FIG. 3 and illustrating the relationship between a slide and base prior to insertion of a safety belt tongue;
  • FIG. 7 is a side elevational view, taken generally along the line 7--7 of FIG. 6, further illustrating the relationship between the slide and base;
  • FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view, taken generally along the line 8--8 of FIG. 7, illustrating the relationship between the base and an ejector;
  • FIG. 9 is a sectional view, taken generally along the line 9--9 of FIG. 6, further illustrating the relationship between the base, latch bar, slide and ejector prior to insertion of a safety belt tongue;
  • FIG. 10 on sheet six of the drawings, is an enlarged fragmentary view of surfaces disposed on the slide to move the latch bar between engaged and disengaged conditions and to hold the latch bar in the engaged condition;
  • FIG. 11 is a side elevational view, generally similar to FIG. 7, illustrating the relationship between the slide and base after insertion of a safety belt tongue;
  • FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view, taken generally along the line 12--12 of FIG. 11, illustrating the relationship between the base, ejector and the tongue of a safety belt;
  • FIG. 13 is a sectional view, generally similar to FIG. 9, and illustrating the relationship between the base, slide, ejector, and the tongue of a safety belt;
  • FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a tubular housing which partially encloses the subassembly of FIGS. 6-9 when it is used in a top release buckle;
  • FIG. 15 is a plan view, taken generally along the line 15--15 of FIG. 14, further illustrating the construction of the housing;
  • FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a top release buckle in which the subassembly of FIGS. 6-9 is disposed;
  • FIG. 17 is a sectional view illustrating the manner in which the top release buckle of FIG. 16 is actuated.
  • a top release buckle 20 (FIG. 1) constructed in accordance with the present invention engages a safety belt tongue 22.
  • the top release buckle 20 has an actuator pad or button 24 in an upper portion of the buckle.
  • the actuator pad 24 is manually depressable and acts through locking elements described below to release the safety belt tongue 22.
  • An end release buckle 28 (FIG. 2) constructed in accordance with the present invention engages a safety belt tongue 30 to restrain movement of an occupant of a vehicle in the event of an accident.
  • the end release buckle 28 has an actuator slide or button 32 in an end portion of the buckle.
  • the actuator slide 32 is manually movable and acts through locking elements to release the safety belt tongue 30.
  • subassemblies having the same construction as the subassembly 36 are used in both the top release buckle 20 of FIG. 1 and the end release buckle 28 of FIG. 2.
  • the subassembly 36 (FIG. 3) includes an elongated base 40.
  • a latch bar 42 is supported by the base 40 for pivotal movement between an engaged condition and a release condition. When the latch bar 42 is in the engaged condition, it engages an opening 44 or 46 in either the safety belt tongue 22 (FIG. 1) or the safety belt tongue 30 (FIG. 2) to prevent their withdrawal from either the top release buckle 20 or end release buckle 28.
  • the latch bar 42 is pivoted by movement of a slide 50 axially along the base 40.
  • movement of the slide 50 along the base pivots the latch bar 42 between the engaged and disengaged conditions.
  • the slide 50 blocks movement of the latch bar to the release condition to prevent withdrawal of a seat belt tongue from the subassembly 36.
  • the subassembly 36 also includes an ejector 54.
  • the ejector 54 is movable axially along the base 40, under the influence of an ejector spring 56, to eject either the safety belt tongue 22 or the safety belt tongue 30 from the subassembly 36 upon movement of the latch bar 42 to the disengaged condition.
  • the ejector 54 moves along the base 40 to eject a safety belt tongue from the subassembly 36, the ejector moves beneath the latch bar 42. This allows the ejector 54 to block movement of the latch bar 42 from the release condition to the engaged condition until the subsequent insertion of a safety belt tongue 22 or 30 into the subassembly 36.
  • the subassembly 36 When the subassembly 36 is used in the top release buckle 20 (FIG. 1), the subassembly is inserted into a tubular housing 58 (FIG. 4) which partially encloses the base 40 and slide 50. The subassembly 36 is inserted into the housing 58 through an open end 62 in the manner indicated schematically by the arrow 64 in FIG. 4.
  • the housing 58 has an end wall 66 which defines a narrow slot 68 through which the safety belt tongue 22 is inserted.
  • the housing 58 cooperates with the base 40 to position the base relative to the housing and to hold the base against movement relative to the housing.
  • the housing 58 guides movement of the slide 50 and ejector 54 (FIG. 3) along the base 40.
  • An upper portion of the housing is provided with arcuate mounting surfaces 72 and 73 in which cylindrical end portions 74 and 75 of the actuator pad 24 are pivotally supported.
  • a suitable buckle mounting member such as a strap, is connected with an end portion 76 of the base 40.
  • the strap is then threaded through a relatively small slot or opening (not shown) in the far end portion 80 of a cover 82.
  • the subassembly 36 and housing 58 are then telescopically inserted through an open end 84 of the cover 82.
  • the cover 82 is decorative but is also effective to block access to the components of the subassembly 36 and to prevent them from becoming jammed by dirt or other foreign materials.
  • the cover 82 holds the actuator pad 24 in pivotal engagement with the arcuate mounting surfaces 72 and 73 in the housing 58.
  • Projections or detents 90 on opposite sides of the housing 58 cooperate with corresponding recesses 92 within the cover 82 to prevent removal of the cover.
  • the safety belt tongue 22 (FIG. 1) can be inserted through the slot 68 into the subassembly 36.
  • the ejector 54 moves rearwardly. This allows the latch bar 42 to pivot into engagement with the opening 44 and hold the tongue 22 in the buckle 20.
  • the actuator pad 24 When the safety belt tongue 22 is to be removed from the buckle 20, the actuator pad 24 is manually pivoted downwardly (as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 4). As the actuator pad 24 is depressed, the slide 50 moves rearwardly (toward the right as viewed in FIG. 3) to move the latch bar 42 out of engagement with the tongue 22. Once the latch bar 42 has become disengaged from the tongue 22, the ejector 54 moves forwardly and ejects the tongue 22 from the buckle 20.
  • the subassembly 36 When the subassembly 36 is used in the end release buckle 28 (FIG. 2), the subassembly is inserted into a tubular housing 98 (FIG. 5) which partially encloses the base 40 and slide 50. The subassembly 36 is inserted into the housing 98 through an open end 102 in the manner indicated schematically by the arrow 103 in FIG. 5.
  • the housing 98 has an end wall 104 which defines a narrow slot 106 through which the safety belt tongue 30 is inserted.
  • the housing 98 cooperates with the base 40 to position the base relative to the housing and to hold the base against movement relative to the housing.
  • the housing 98 guides movement of the slide 50 and ejector 54 (FIG. 3) along the base 40.
  • An end portion of the housing 98 is provided with linear guide tracks (not shown) which guide movement of the actuator slide 32 (FIG. 5).
  • a suitable buckle mounting member such as a strap, is connected with an end portion 76 of the base 40.
  • the strap is then threaded through a relatively small slot or opening (not shown) in the far end portion 116 of a cover 118.
  • the subassembly 36 and housing 98 are then telescopically inserted through an open end 120 of the cover 118.
  • the cover 118 is effective to block access to the components of the subassembly 36 and to prevent them from becoming jammed by dirt or other foreign materials.
  • Projections or detents 124 on opposite sides of the housing 98 cooperate with corresponding recesses 126 within the cover 118 to prevent removal of the cover.
  • the safety belt tongue 30 (FIG. 1) can be inserted through the slot 106 into the subassembly 36.
  • the ejector 54 moves rearwardly. This allows the latch bar 42 to pivot into engagement with the opening 46 and hold the tongue 30 in the buckle 28.
  • the actuator slide 32 When the safety belt tongue 30 is to be removed from the buckle 28, the actuator slide 32 is manually pressed inwardly. As the actuator slide 32 is depressed, the slide 50 moves rearwardly (toward the right as viewed in FIG. 3) to move the latch bar 42 out of engagement with the tongue 30. Once the latch bar 42 has become disengaged from the tongue 30, the ejector 54 moves forwardly and ejects the tongue 30 from the buckle 28.
  • the latch bar 42 and base 40 are formed of metal.
  • the slide 50, ejector 54, housings 58 and 98, and covers 82 and 118 are molded of suitable polymeric materials to facilitate their manufacture.
  • the base 40 is stamped as one piece from sheet metal and includes a flat elongated web portion 130 (FIGS. 3, 6 and 9) and a pair of elongated side portions 132 and 134 (FIGS. 3 and 8).
  • the side portions 132 and 134 extend throughout the length of the base 40 in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis 136 of the base.
  • the side portions 132 and 134 increase the structural rigidity of the base 40 to enable it to withstand relatively large load forces.
  • the side portions 132 and 134 are provided with downwardly (as viewed in FIGS. 3, 7 and 9) projecting mounting tangs or tabs 138 and 140 which engage openings in the top release housing 58 or the end release housing 98 (FIGS. 4 and 5) to fixedly interconnect the base 40 with one of the housings.
  • the side portions 132 and 134 of the base define a pair of identical apertures 144 and 146 (FIGS. 3 and 9) in which the latch bar 42 is supported for pivotal movement between a release condition (FIG. 9) and an engaged condition (FIG. 13).
  • a release condition FIG. 9
  • an engaged condition FIG. 13
  • the latch bar 42 When the latch bar 42 is in the release condition, it is disposed above the portion of the base 40 which receives the safety belt tongue 22 (FIG. 9).
  • the latch bar 42 When the latch bar 42 is in the engaged condition, it extends into the opening 44 in the safety belt tongue 22 to hold the tongue in the buckle 20 (FIG. 13).
  • the leading edge portion 150 of the latch bar 42 has a length which is slightly greater than the width of the base 40. Therefore, the leading edge portion 150 of the latch bar projects slightly outwardly from and rests on the side portions 132 and 134 of the base 40.
  • a pair of outwardly projecting actuator tabs 160 and 162 (FIG. 3) on the latch bar 42 are engaged by opposite sides of the slide 50 (FIG. 12).
  • a trailing edge portion 154 of the latch bar 42 (FIG. 3) is provided with a detent 156 which engages the opening 44 in the safety belt tongue 22 (FIG. 13) when the tongue is inserted into the buckle.
  • the side portions 132 and 134 of the base 40 are provided with a pair of in-turned flanges 166 and 168 (FIGS. 3 and 8).
  • the flanges 166 and 168 cooperate with the web portion 130 of the base 40 to define a space which holds the ejector 54 and receives the end of the safety belt tongue 22.
  • the flanges 166 and 168 have inner side surfaces 172 and 174 (FIG. 3) which extend parallel to a lower or inner side surface 178 (FIGS. 3 and 9) of the web 130.
  • the ejector 54 and/or tongue 22 are held between the inner side surfaces 172 and 174 on the flanges 166 and 168 and the inner side surface 178 of the web 130.
  • the base 40 is provided with a pair of upstanding spring retaining projections or posts 182 and 184 (FIGS. 3 and 6) which abut one end of a slide spring 188.
  • the slide spring 188 biases or urges the slide 50 toward the leading or outer end of the base 40.
  • the slide 50 moves the latch bar 42 between the release condition (FIG. 9) and the engaged condition (FIG. 13). In addition, the slide 50 blocks movement of the latch bar 42 from the engaged condition until either the top release actuator pad 24 or end release actuator slide 32 is depressed.
  • the slide 50 includes a pair of parallel side sections 192 and 194 (FIGS. 3 and 6) which are interconnected by a bridge section 196.
  • An elongated spring mounting section 198 extends rearwardly between the spring mounting posts 182 and 184.
  • the helical coil spring 188 telescopes over the spring mounting section 198 and is compressed between the bridge portion 196 of the slide 50 and the spring retaining posts 182 and 184.
  • the side sections 192 and 194 of the slide 50 have identical cam openings 202 and 204 (FIG. 3) which engage the latch bar tabs 160 and 162.
  • the cam openings 202 and 204 apply forces to the latch bar tabs 160 and 162 to move the latch bar between the engaged and release conditions.
  • the cam opening 202 (FIG. 10) is provided with a cam surface 208 (FIG. 7) which engages the latch bar tab 160.
  • a blocking surface 210 (FIG. 10) in the cam opening 202 engages the upper side surface of the latch bar tab 160 to block pivoting movement of the latch bar 42 from the engaged condition back toward the disengaged condition. This insures that once the safety belt tongue 22 has been inserted into the buckle, the tongue is held until it is intentionally released by depressing either the actuator pad 24 or the actuator slide 32.
  • the cam surfaces 208 and 214 are skewed at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis 136 of the base 40 to provide a camming action upon movement of the slide 50 along the base.
  • the locking surface 210 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 136 of the base and engages the upper side surface of the latch bar tab 160 to block movement of the latch bar from the engaged position.
  • the movement of the slide member 50 in a forward direction as the latch bar is pivot to the engaged position is limited by engagement of an inner side surface area 216 (FIG. 13) on the slide 50 with the base 40.
  • Rearward movement of the slide 50 is limited by the extent to which the cam surface 214 can pivot the latch bar tab 160 upwardly in the apertures 144 and 146 in the base 40.
  • cam opening 204 cooperates with the latch bar tab 162 in the same manner.
  • the cam opening 204 has surfaces corresponding to the blocking surface 210 and cam surfaces 208 and 214 of the cam opening 202.
  • the slide spring 188 urges the slide 50 forwardly toward the engaged position shown in FIG. 11.
  • the spring 188 is compressed between the bridge portion 196 of the slide and the upstanding spring retaining posts 182 and 184 (see FIGS. 3 and 7).
  • the spring mounting section 198 cooperates with the spring retaining posts 182 and 184 to guide movement of the slide.
  • the spring retaining posts 182 and 184 have a pair of surfaces 220 and 222 which engage opposite sides of the spring mounting section 198 to guide movement of the slide 50 relative to the base 40.
  • the ejector 54 ejects the safety belt tongue 22 (FIGS. 12 and 13) from the buckle 20.
  • the ejector 54 moves forwardly from the retracted position of FIGS. 12 and 13 to the extended position of FIGS. 8 and 9 under the influence of the spring 56.
  • the ejector member 54 moves forwardly, the safety belt tongue 22 is ejected from the buckle.
  • the ejector 54 When the ejector 54 is in the extended position of FIGS. 8 and 9, it blocks the entrance slot 68 (FIG. 4) through which the tongue is inserted into the buckle 20. This prevents dirt and foreign materials from entering the buckle. At this time, the detent 156 in the trailing edge portion 154 of the latch bar 42 engages the top of the ejector 54 (FIG. 9) to hold the latch bar in the release condition. This results in the slide 50 being held in the retracted position by engagement of the cam surface 208 with the latch bar tab 160 (FIG. 7). Since the ejector 54 blocks downward pivoting movement of the latch bar 42, the slide 50 is maintained in the position shown in FIG. 7 against the influence of the compressed slide spring 188.
  • the leading end of the tongue engages a recess 226 in the leading end of the actuator 54 (FIGS. 8 and 12).
  • the ejector 54 is forced to retract and the ejector spring 56 is compressed between the ejector and abutment 228 on the housing 58.
  • the slide 50 moves from the position shown in FIG. 7 to the position shown in FIG. 11 under the influence of the slide spring 188. This pivots the latch bar 42 from the release condition to the engaged condition.
  • the detent portion 156 of the latch bar 42 has engaged the opening 44 in the tongue 22 (FIG. 12) the tongue is held in the subassembly 36 against the influence of the ejector 54.
  • the tubular housings 58 and 98 for the top and end release buckles 20 and 28 enclose the subassembly 36.
  • the housings 58 and 98 cooperate with the subassembly 36 to guide movement of the slide 50, guide movement of the ejector member 54, position the base 40 and slide 50 relative to each other, and to support either the actuator pad 24 or the actuator slide 32 for movement relative to the subassembly 36.
  • the tubular housing 58 includes a top wall 232 (FIG. 14).
  • the top wall 232 cooperates with the end wall 66 to define a rectangular opening 234 (FIG. 4).
  • the actuator pad 24 is received in the opening 234.
  • the upwardly facing recesses 72 and 73 (FIGS. 4 and 14) in the top wall 232 support the actuator pad 24 for pivotal movement relative to the housing 58.
  • a bottom wall 238 (FIG. 15) of the housing 58 has a pair of slots 242 and 244 into which the downwardly projecting mounting tangs 138 and 140 on the base 40 extend to hold the base against lengthwise movement relative to the housing.
  • a pair of side surfaces 246 and 248 of a central slot 250 in the bottom wall 238 engage longitudinally extending edges 252 and 254 on the flanges 166 and 168 (see FIGS. 8 and 12) to position the base 40 relative to the housing 58.
  • a pair of ledges 258 and 260 project under the flanges 166 and 168 to press the subassembly 30 upwardly against the top wall 232 of the housing.
  • Movement of the slide 50 in the housing 58 is guided by a pair of guide tracks 264 and 266 (FIGS. 14 and 15) formed in the lower portion of the housing 58.
  • a pair of guide tracks 270 are formed in the housing to engage the upper portion of the slide 50.
  • the guide tracks 264, 266 and 270 cooperate with the slide 50 to guide movement of the slide relative to the base 40.
  • Movement of the ejector 54 along the base 40 is guided by a pair of linear tracks 274 and 276 (FIG. 15) formed in the bottom wall 238.
  • the tracks 274 and 276 are engaged by a pair of linear followers 278 and 280 on the bottom of the ejector 54 (FIGS. 8 and 11).
  • movement of the ejector 54 is guided by engagement of the ejector with the flanges 166 and 168 and web portion 130 of the base 40.
  • the end release buckle housing 98 has tracks for guiding movement of the slide 50 and ejector 54 of the subassembly 36 and has surfaces for gripping the flanges 166 and 168 of the base 40 to position the base.
  • the end release buckle housing 98 has an abutment, corresponding to the abutment 228 (FIGS. 8 and 15), which engages the inner end of the ejector spring 56.
  • the slide 50 When the safety belt tongue 22 is in the top release buckle 20 (FIG. 16), the slide 50 is forward on the base 40. Downwardly and forwardly sloping drive surfaces 282 and 284 on the slide 50 (FIGS. 3, 6 and 16) engage downwardly projecting cam sections 286 and 288 on the actuator pad 24 (FIGS. 4 and 16). At this time, the actuator pad 24 is pressed firmly upwardly against the inner side surface of the cover 82 (FIG. 16) by the slide 50. The latch bar 42 is held in the engaged position by the blocking surfaces 210 on the slide 50.
  • the actuator pad 24 When the safety belt tongue 22 is to be withdrawn from the top release buckle 20, the actuator pad 24 is manually pivoted downwardly, in the manner indicated by the arrow 292 in FIG. 17. This downward movement of the actuator pad 24 presses the cam sections 286 and 288 against the downwardly and forwardly sloping drive surfaces 282 and 284 on the slide 50. The force applied against the slide 50 by the actuator pad 24 moves the slide rearwardly against the influence of the spring 188 in the manner indicated by the arrow 294 in FIG. 17.
  • the latch bar 42 is cammed upwardly by the cam surface 214 in the manner indicated by the arrow 296 in FIG. 16. As this occurs, the latch bar 42 moves clear of the opening 44 in the tongue 22. The ejector 54 then moves forward to eject the tongue 22 from the buckle 20.
  • the coil spring 188 applies leftwardly directed forces against both the slide 50 and a tab 300 on the actuator pad 24.
  • the spring force against the slide 50 holds the slide in the position shown in FIG. 16.
  • the slide 50 blocks movement of the latch bar 42 from the engaged condition of FIG. 13.
  • the spring force against the tab 300 tends to rotate the actuator pad 24 in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 16) so that the actuator pad is pressed against the cover 82.
  • the tongue is released for movement out of the buckle 20 under the influence of the ejector 54.
  • the ejector 54 moves forwardly to the position shown in FIG. 8 in which the ejector is beneath the latch bar 42.
  • the slide 50 Upon releasing of the actuator pad 24, the slide 50 moves through a very short distance toward the left (as viewed in FIG. 16) under the influence of the slide spring 188. This leftward movement of the slide results in the latch bar 42 being forced downwardly against the ejector 54. Engagement of the latch bar 42 with the ejector 54 then blocks continued leftward movement of the slide member 50. However, the end turns of the slide spring 188 continue to urge the actuator pad 24 to rotate in a clockwise direction to the initial position of FIG. 16. This results in the cam sections 286 and 288 on the actuator pad 24 moving away from the leading end of the slide 50.
  • the end release buckle housing 98 is provided with linear tracks which engage the actuator slide 32 to guide movement of the actuator slide relative to the housing and the subassembly 36.
  • the present invention provides a subassembly 36 which can be used in either a top release buckle 20 having a manually movable actuator pad 24 in an upper portion of the buckle or an end release buckle 28 having a manually movable actuator slide 32 in one end portion of the buckle.
  • the subassembly includes an elongated base 40 and a latch bar 42.
  • the latch bar 42 is disposed in and projects outwardly of openings 144 and 146 formed in longitudinally extending side portions 132 and 134 of the base 40.
  • a slide 50 engages the outwardly projecting end portions 160 and 162 of the latch bar 42 and is movable along the base 40 to move the latch bar between engaged and release conditions.

Landscapes

  • Buckles (AREA)
  • Automotive Seat Belt Assembly (AREA)
US06/740,725 1985-06-03 1985-06-03 Safety belt buckle Expired - Lifetime US4614010A (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US06/740,725 US4614010A (en) 1985-06-03 1985-06-03 Safety belt buckle
EP86107246A EP0205037B1 (de) 1985-06-03 1986-05-28 Sicherheitsgurtschloss
DE8686107246T DE3672700D1 (de) 1985-06-03 1986-05-28 Sicherheitsgurtschloss.
AU58249/86A AU563441B2 (en) 1985-06-03 1986-06-02 Seat belt buckle
BR8602539A BR8602539A (pt) 1985-06-03 1986-06-02 Aparelho e fivela para cinto de seguranca
CA000510596A CA1284872C (en) 1985-06-03 1986-06-02 Seat belt buckle
JP61129063A JPS625303A (ja) 1985-06-03 1986-06-03 バツクル装置

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US06/740,725 US4614010A (en) 1985-06-03 1985-06-03 Safety belt buckle

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US4614010A true US4614010A (en) 1986-09-30

Family

ID=24977797

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US06/740,725 Expired - Lifetime US4614010A (en) 1985-06-03 1985-06-03 Safety belt buckle

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US4614010A (de)
EP (1) EP0205037B1 (de)
JP (1) JPS625303A (de)
AU (1) AU563441B2 (de)
BR (1) BR8602539A (de)
CA (1) CA1284872C (de)
DE (1) DE3672700D1 (de)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4876772A (en) * 1988-02-25 1989-10-31 Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc. Safety belt buckle
US4942649A (en) * 1988-02-25 1990-07-24 Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc. Safety belt buckle
US5208953A (en) * 1991-11-26 1993-05-11 Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. Seat belt buckle having pivotal lever
DE4329771A1 (de) * 1992-09-07 1994-09-08 Rahvaettevote Norma Tallinn Schloß für den Sicherheitsgurt von Fahrzeugen
US20070044283A1 (en) * 2005-08-24 2007-03-01 Key Safety Systems, Inc. Buckle assembly
US11219280B2 (en) * 2017-11-30 2022-01-11 Husqvarna Ab Tool belt

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2249340B (en) * 1990-10-30 1994-05-18 Ronald Allan Proctor Releasable buckle,especially for seat belts
CN102824060B (zh) * 2011-06-17 2014-11-12 王鲲 具有肩带扣合装置的高脚椅

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US3605210A (en) * 1969-04-21 1971-09-20 Jim Robbing Seat Belt Co Side locking seat belt buckle
US3760467A (en) * 1971-06-08 1973-09-25 Allied Chem Safety belt buckle
US4094046A (en) * 1975-08-19 1978-06-13 Takata Kojyo Co., Ltd. Seat belt buckle
US4181832A (en) * 1977-04-04 1980-01-01 Nsk-Warner K.K. Buckle apparatus for safety belt
US4228567A (en) * 1977-09-20 1980-10-21 Nsk-Warner K.K. Buckle assembly for seat belt
US4301576A (en) * 1978-09-22 1981-11-24 Britax (Wingard) Limited Tongue and buckle fastener for a safety belt harness
GB2080387A (en) * 1980-05-24 1982-02-03 Klippan Nv Sa Locking buckle for safety belts in motor vehicles
US4380100A (en) * 1976-11-09 1983-04-19 Klippan S.A. Safety belt buckle

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US3156025A (en) * 1962-04-02 1964-11-10 Andrew G Carter Separable fastener
US3711904A (en) * 1971-11-03 1973-01-23 Irvin Industries Inc Safety belt buckle
GB1572106A (en) * 1976-12-13 1980-07-23 Wall Ltd Howard Anchoring devices
JPS6228883Y2 (de) * 1980-01-23 1987-07-24
JPS621929Y2 (de) * 1980-06-30 1987-01-17
JPS6239693Y2 (de) * 1981-04-08 1987-10-09
JPS57185803A (en) * 1981-05-12 1982-11-16 Fuji Kiko Kk Buckle for seat belt

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3605210A (en) * 1969-04-21 1971-09-20 Jim Robbing Seat Belt Co Side locking seat belt buckle
US3760467A (en) * 1971-06-08 1973-09-25 Allied Chem Safety belt buckle
US4094046A (en) * 1975-08-19 1978-06-13 Takata Kojyo Co., Ltd. Seat belt buckle
US4380100A (en) * 1976-11-09 1983-04-19 Klippan S.A. Safety belt buckle
US4181832A (en) * 1977-04-04 1980-01-01 Nsk-Warner K.K. Buckle apparatus for safety belt
US4228567A (en) * 1977-09-20 1980-10-21 Nsk-Warner K.K. Buckle assembly for seat belt
US4301576A (en) * 1978-09-22 1981-11-24 Britax (Wingard) Limited Tongue and buckle fastener for a safety belt harness
GB2080387A (en) * 1980-05-24 1982-02-03 Klippan Nv Sa Locking buckle for safety belts in motor vehicles

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4876772A (en) * 1988-02-25 1989-10-31 Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc. Safety belt buckle
US4942649A (en) * 1988-02-25 1990-07-24 Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc. Safety belt buckle
US5208953A (en) * 1991-11-26 1993-05-11 Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. Seat belt buckle having pivotal lever
DE4239813A1 (de) * 1991-11-26 1993-05-27 Trw Vehicle Safety Systems
DE4329771A1 (de) * 1992-09-07 1994-09-08 Rahvaettevote Norma Tallinn Schloß für den Sicherheitsgurt von Fahrzeugen
US20070044283A1 (en) * 2005-08-24 2007-03-01 Key Safety Systems, Inc. Buckle assembly
US7395585B2 (en) * 2005-08-24 2008-07-08 Key Safety Systems, Inc Buckle assembly
US11219280B2 (en) * 2017-11-30 2022-01-11 Husqvarna Ab Tool belt

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0205037B1 (de) 1990-07-18
AU563441B2 (en) 1987-07-09
CA1284872C (en) 1991-06-18
JPH0247202B2 (de) 1990-10-18
DE3672700D1 (de) 1990-08-23
JPS625303A (ja) 1987-01-12
AU5824986A (en) 1986-12-11
EP0205037A1 (de) 1986-12-17
BR8602539A (pt) 1987-02-03

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